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FSCE-Format English and Maths: format, schools and practice papers
A plain summary of how the FSCE-Format English and Maths works and how to prepare for it. Each detail says whether it is published by the organisers, reported by other sources, or not published at all. We last checked these details in November 2026.
What the test involves
Subjects: maths, English and a writing task.
- Reported
- These schools are reported to use English and maths papers from Future Stories Community Enterprise (FSCE), based on Key Stage 2 up to the end of Year 5. Each school chooses which papers it uses and sets its own dates and qualifying score.
- Reported
- The papers are Adventure (multiple choice, shaded ovals), Beacon (short answers, one digit or capital letter per box) and Compass (multiple choice), with a Discovery creative-writing paper at some schools. Reading School is reported to use all four, the Halifax schools Adventure, Beacon and Discovery, and the Skipton schools Adventure and Beacon.
- Reported
- Crossley Heath and North Halifax share the Halifax Grammar Schools Entrance Test; at Chelmsford County High School for Girls (not part of the CSSE test) creative writing is a minimum-standard hurdle. Reading School catchment and boarding applicants reportedly sit in July of Year 5, others in September.
- Reported
- These details were collected from third-party sources in November 2026; schools’ own pages could not be checked.
- Not published
- Which papers each school uses, the number of questions and minutes per paper, four options per question and the English and maths mix in each paper. These are not published for each school.
The writing task
Some schools add a Discovery creative-writing paper (Reading, Chelmsford County High, the Halifax schools, and Heckmondwike, where it is disputed); at the Halifax schools it is marked only if English and maths reach the qualifying mark.
Schools that use this test
- Chelmsford County High School for Girls, Chelmsford
- Ermysted’s Grammar School, Skipton
- Heckmondwike Grammar School, Heckmondwike
- Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School, Lancaster
- Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Penrith, Penrith
- Reading School, Reading
- Skipton Girls’ High School, Skipton
- The Crossley Heath School, Halifax
- The North Halifax Grammar School, Halifax
How to prepare
- Practise filling in a separate answer sheet, so marking the right box becomes automatic and no time is lost on test day.
- Practise writing answers in full, showing working in maths and using evidence from the text in English: marks are given for method and explanation, not just the final answer.
- Practise a timed piece of writing every week or two: five minutes planning, then a clear opening, middle and ending.
- Sit full mock tests under timed conditions only every week or two, and spend the time in between on the question types that cost marks.
Practice papers for the FSCE-Format English and Maths
Every question is original, written to the same types and level as the published format. Each option has a free sample, so you can check it suits your child first.
Four full mock tests in the published FSCE format (Adventure, Beacon and Compass papers, with an optional Discovery writing page) for Reading School, Chelmsford County High, Crossley Heath, North Halifax, Ermysted’s, Skipton Girls’, Heckmondwike, Lancaster Girls’ and QEGS Penrith, with an answer sheet, explanations and a parent guide.
Four more full mock tests in the same format as Set 1, with new questions throughout, answer sheets, answers and the parent guide.
A revision handbook for the FSCE-Format English and Maths: 58 lessons teaching the methods for maths and English, with worked examples, practice questions, must-know lists and a 12-week plan.
Everything for this test in one download: Set 1 and Set 2 (eight full mock tests) and the revision handbook. £39.97 if bought separately.
Questions parents ask
What does the FSCE-Format English and Maths test?
It covers maths, English and a writing task. These schools are reported to use English and maths papers from Future Stories Community Enterprise (FSCE), based on Key Stage 2 up to the end of Year 5. Each school chooses which papers it uses and sets its own dates and qualifying score.
Is there a writing task?
Some schools add a Discovery creative-writing paper (Reading, Chelmsford County High, the Halifax schools, and Heckmondwike, where it is disputed); at the Halifax schools it is marked only if English and maths reach the qualifying mark.
Are these the real FSCE-Format English and Maths papers?
No. Real past papers are not usually published. Our papers are original and set out like the published format, so children know what to expect.
Where do I check dates and registration?
Always check with your school’s admissions page. Dates and arrangements change from year to year.
Helpful guides
- When should my child start preparing for the 11+?
- What is verbal reasoning in the 11+?
- How to use 11+ mock tests well
- A balanced Year 5 summer 11+ revision plan
- 11+ test day checklist for parents
No practice material can promise a pass or a place. Places depend on scores, the school's rules and often distance.